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Sydney City

Highlights

Sydney City

Sydney is Australia's largest and most famous city. It's home to beautiful beaches, iconic buildings, historic landmarks, award-winning restaurants, and a vibrant culture. From the breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour to the serene tranquillity of Hyde Park, Sydney has something for everyone. If you're looking for high-energy adventure holidays, planning a honeymoon, or searching for a fun-filled getaway, Sydney delivers an extraordinary wealth of short and long-term holiday options.

In the heart of Sydney's CBD is the Queen Victoria Building, another must-see attraction. Dating back to the 1890s, this grand and beautiful building is one of the city's premier shopping destinations. If a shopping mall is more your idea of shopping heaven then try Pitt Street Mall and Westfield, both in the city centre. Further South you'll find Sydney's Chinatown, with Paddys market and some great Chinese restaurants on offer.

For a bird's-eye view of Sydney, head to the summit of Sydney Tower Eye. From here, enjoy views stretching across the city to the Pacific Ocean and the Blue Mountains to the west. Thrillseekers should try the Sydney Skywalk experience, a moving, glass-floored viewing platform at the top of Sydney Tower Eye. Also at the top, the Sydney Tower Buffet offers banquet-style dining, with 360-degree views of the city as you enjoy a relaxing meal. Be sure to take advantage of the special offer for kids to eat free for lunch and dinner on selected days year-round.

Sydney offers an array of cultural activities for people of all ages. Internationally acclaimed performers take the stage at the Sydney Opera House, blockbuster exhibitions can be seen at the Australian Museum, quirky galleries house a range of Asian, Aboriginal and contemporary art, and iconic venues such as the State Theatre host spectacular shows year-round.

Sydney is home to an abundance of cafes, canteens, restaurants, kiosks, gourmet food trucks, popup eateries, wine bars, gastropubs, and speakeasies. Start with a drink at a casual wine bar, enjoy the view at one of our waterfront restaurants and indulge in an after dinner digestif at a range of late night cocktail bars. Good Food Month, Australia’s largest food festival, also takes place during October.

Sydney is a great place to access international brands and local designers whose wares can be found in shopping centres, outdoor strips and market-style popups throughout the city. Unearth vintage gems at a local market or window shop at one of our many outlet centres. Icons like the Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are popular attractions that draw crowds to see their plush interiors.

With a range of outdoor exhibitions, global conventions, and sporting and musical events, Sydney’s social calendar is full year-round. Vivid Sydney draws millions to see the light installations that have popped up around the city. The Sydney Film Festival and Chinese New Year Festival have something for everyone, while the New Year’s Eve fireworks light up the entire city.

Tours are a great way to enjoy all that this city has to offer with the help of a guide; whether you’re after a walking, talking, bus, boat or motorcycle journey covering food, architecture, Aboriginal culture, or the natural wonders of the landscape. Embark on a trip across Sydney and surrounding areas with an informed, passionate local who can offer information that only a Sydneysider knows.

Local areas

Chinatown and Haymarket Sydney's Chinatown and Haymarket offer an exciting mix of restaurants, food halls, noodle bars and quirky gift shops. Find great things to do in Chinatown now!

Circular Quay The city fans out from the focal point of Circular Quay.

City Centre Attractions here are many and varied - such as the Art Gallery of NSW, pretty Hyde Park and Sydney Tower Eye, with its 360-degree views.

Darling Harbour A lively harbourside precinct, Darling Harbour is just a 10-minute walk from Sydney city centre. Being one of Sydney's largest dining, shopping and entertainment precincts, it has a full calendar of outdoor events.

Potts Point and Woolloomooloo Sydney's Wolloomooloo hosts a wide variety of things to do, restaurants and sights including the famous Wolloomooloo wharf. Read more at Sydney.com

Pyrmont Enjoy Pyrmont's harbourside location with a walk or jog - along the foreshore taking in two of Sydney's best parks, Pirrama Park and Pyrmont Point Park.

Sydney Harbour Sydney Harbour is a beautiful meandering waterway, famous around the world. Itâs a natural playground for Sydneysiders and visitors for sailing, swimming, diving and walking around its foreshore.

The Rocks Find things to do in The Rocks, including heritage walks, restaurants and bars, museums, shopping and what's on in the Rocks with sydney.com